Fasting

The noun ‘fast, a fasting’ simply means voluntary abstinence from food. Throughout scripture fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.

What Is The Purpose Of Fasting?

The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out. It also enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives. Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and, most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

Are There Different Types Of Fasts?

The Absolute Fast … allows no food or water at all and should be short in duration.

The Normal Fast … is going without food for a definite period during which you ingest only liquids (water & or juice). The duration can be from 1-40 days. Extreme care should be taken in longer fasts, which should only be attempted after seeking medical advice from your physician.

The Partial Fast … is one that omits certain foods or is on a schedule that includes limited eating. It may consist of just eating one small meal each day. Eating only fresh vegetables is also a good partial fast. Elijah, John the Baptist and Daniel are examples of those who participated in partial fasts.

What Kind Of Fast Should I Do?

There are different things that will affect what kind of fast you choose. We are all at varying stages in our spiritual life and relationship with the Lord; which may determine what we choose to do. There are those who have health concerns and may be limited in their ability to participate. Some may simply have never done something like this and be wary of trying it, but we want to encourage as many people as possible to participate in what can be an exciting spiritual adventure.

An additional way everyone can participate is to think of expanding the definition of ‘fasting’ past giving up food to choose one thing that gives us pleasure to what the Bible calls “our flesh”. [Examples: TV, Social Media, Sports, Entertainment, Hobbies] and to use that time to renew our focus on God by spending time in Bible reading and prayer.

Corporate Prayer Events

The list of corporate prayer events for the 2019 Prayer & Fasting can be found in the crossroadscn app, which you can find in your app store or by clicking here.